Beyond surface: perceived CSR authenticity and compassion at work with mediating role of meaningful work

Purpose This study aims to examine the relationship between perceived corporate social responsibility (CSR) authenticity and compassion at work which incorporated the mediating role of meaningful work. Also, this study incorporates both Social Identity Theory (SIT) and Appraisal Theory of Emotion (ATE) to theoretically support the examined relationships. Further, this paper highlights the importance of examining employees’ perception of CSR authenticity in the licensed commercial banking sector. Design/methodology/approach Based on the literature review, a conceptual model was developed, which consists of relationships between CSR authenticity and compassion at work, which is theoretically supported by both SIT and ATE. Besides the direct relationship, the mediation relationship of meaningful work was examined. Data was gathered using a standardized questionnaire that was created after a thorough literature study which was improved with input from experts and a pilot survey. The sample was made up with 500 respondents, and responses from 13 commercial banks in Sri Lanka were obtained using stratified random sampling technique. The suggested relationships were tested using Smart Partial Least Squares structural equation modelling. Findings There is a significant positive relationship between CSR authenticity and compassion at work. Also, meaningful work partially mediates the relationship between CSR authenticity and compassion at work. Research limitations/implications Theoretically, this study filled a gap by using both SIT and ATE in explaining the relationship between CSR authenticity and compassion at work. Also, findings enhance existing literature on CSR authenticity and compassion at work. Moreover, this study adds new insights into the mediating capability of psychologically related variables such as meaningful work. Nevertheless, the findings of this study highlight practical implications such as increased employee well-being, enhanced employee engagement, creating a positive organisational culture and enhanced reputation and brand loyalty of the organisation. Originality/value This study empirically establishes the impact of perceived CSR authenticity on the compassion at work of commercial banks in a developing context, with the mediation effect of meaningful work.